These
on-line editions of Horatio Nelson's dispatches and letters are based directly
on the original nineteenth century editions. Nelson, who died at the naval
battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, was one of the most successful and
famous of British fleet commanders. He fought in numerous battles, on both land
and at sea, always leading the fight and pushing ahead into the enemy. His best
acquaintances acknowledged that Nelson had an unusually clear mind, a keen
intellect, and an insatiable thirst for glory.

The original dispatches
include lengthy footnotes, some of which have been selectively included. The
"NELSON AND BRONTE" signature which end the later passages refer to Nelson's
status as Duke of Bronte. Dates preceded by names Theseus,
Captain, Vanguard or Victory are referring to Nelson's
flagships, from whence he wrote many of his orders and dispatches.